On View

Greek

Horse

As a common symbol of status and power in 8th century Greece, the horse was a favorite motif for small bronze votive statues. Many bronze horses similar to this were left as offerings for Zeus at Olympia, where horse racing was a popular part of the Olympic Games, and at the sanctuary of Artemis Orthia in Sparta. The patterns inscribed on the horse are reminiscent of the pottery designs that give the Geometric period its name. The strange, knobby knees are characteristic of bronze horse votives from this region.